In 2002, the European Commission underwent a baseline study identifying children at risk as an area for intervention with a view to reduce poverty.
In the framework of the Euro-Med Partnership program in 2003, an agreement was reached between the European Commission and the Egyptian authorities to develop a program focusing on the issues of children at risk, on strengthening the MOSS/NGO Departments in charge of NGOs in order to improve its services to the civil society, and to build the capacities of civil societies participating in the Children at Risk Program.
The Children at Risk Program, which is implemented by the National Council for Childhood and Motherhood (NCCM) and funded by the European Community (EC), has as its overall objective to reduce poverty among children at risk and thus improve their social development, and to enhance the Capacity of NGOs to contribute effectively to social development.
In May 2004, the Financing Agreement between the European Community and the Arab Republic of Egypt (Ministry of International Cooperation and NCCM) was signed. The program started on March 1, 2005.
The purpose of the programme is to improve the living conditions and prospects of five groups of economically vulnerable and socially marginalized children, with the support of a strengthened NGO sector in Egypt.
The main results to be achieved by the Program are:
- Street children rehabilitation improved and potential of their integration increased thanks to a special focus on health, skills development, and income generation.
- Withdrawal of working children from hazardous occupations is facilitated; occupational safety and health measures are improved and used.
- Children with disability or at risk of disability as well as their families have better access to improved services and make use of them for early detection, rehabilitation and integration.
- The practice of FGM is reduced.
- The gender gap in primary education is reduced in targeted communities, focusing on quality education and increased potential for enrolment in preparatory schools.
- The capacity of the key stakeholders Ministry of Social Solidarity (MOSS) along with its NGO departments at selected governorates, NGOs, and NCCM is improved.
- The dialogue between MOSS, NGOs and other governmental agencies is enhanced.